Story Highlights

When Purdue's 10th straight loss to end the 2013 season became official about nine months ago, Justin Sinz's voice was filled with pain but also determination.

The now fifth-year senior tight end said following the 20-point loss to Indiana that "there's no room for complacency" within the program. Those who wanted to work were welcome to stay. Those who didn't were free to leave.

We've arrived at the next chapter in Darrell Hazell's program. The 1-11 season was just that. There's no hiding from it. How much progress the Boilermakers have made will be on display Saturday when Western Michigan visits Ross-Ade Stadium for the season opener.

It was a difficult offseason, knowing what transpired a year ago. But it's also been rewarding, knowing the time and effort involved.

"When you experience a season like that, no one saw it coming. When you're a part of it, you don't see that coming," Sinz said. "We had to have some serious soul searching, starting with coach Hazell and all the way down to the position coaches to challenge us and say, 'Hey, if you're not here to work and turn this around, then leave.' "

Hazell's second team doesn't lack for motivation. They were embarrassed on a nearly weekly basis by opponents who were bigger, stronger and faster. The Boilermakers believe they're bigger, stronger and faster this season, but all that matters is what happens on game day.

This much is clear — Purdue is prepared to unveil a new beginning.

"Once kickoff sounds, it's a whole new year for us," center Robert Kugler said. "When we run out of that tunnel and come out here, (2013) will be gone."

The physical obstacles were big enough to overcome last season. The mental hurdles were just as big.

The Boilermakers did not handle adversity well. When things went bad, they went south in a hurry. How this team deals with those moments will be a true sign of how much progress they've made.

"I can't tell you what the difference is going to be, because we haven't had that happen yet," linebacker Sean Robinson said. "When it does, I hope everybody on the team embraces adversity. That's what it's all about. I'm sure we'll find some sort of adversity against Western Michigan."

Since January, this team has become closer. A tighter bond has developed in the locker room. That alone should help when the tough times emerge.

"We're such a close-knit group of guys," Robinson said. "When you show up in the locker room and those 100 guys, I think it's important to know and for myself to know, if you're in a dark alley at night they're there right behind you to do whatever is necessary. It's real.

"Football is such a violent and tough game and adversity is a violent issue. Because of our closeness and being family, I think we can really benefit from that."

The bottom line is well known, not with just Hazell but his players.

"Now is when it really matters," Sinz said. "You can do all that stuff and if we're not successful on the field, we know how hard we worked, but we're in a results-oriented business."

SATURDAY'S GAME

Western Michigan at Purdue

Time: Noon

TV: ESPNU

Radio: WAZY (96.5)

Tickets: Available at purduesports.com or through Purdue athletic ticket office. All Purdue students receive a free ticket through their account at purduesports.com